Former Mayor of Srinagar takes break from politics

Srinagar, July 5

Former Mayor of Srinagar and senior leader of Jammu and Kashmir Apni Party, Junaid Azim Mattu, on Friday announced interim cessation of all his political activities.

The decision by Mattu came weeks after the Apni Party, headed by Altaf Bukhari, suffered a drubbing in the Lok Sabha elections, with the two party candidates who contested forfeiting deposits.

“After considerable thought, I announce an interim cessation of all my political activities. A strong conviction has to precede any meaningful work and with all humility at my command, I want to renew my pristine idealism,” Mattu posted on X.

He said that he would share his views elaborately in a few days. Responding on X to a question if he is launching his own political party, Mattu said he has neither left the Apni Party, nor taken any such decision.

“I would humbly request everyone not to jump to conclusions,” he said.

Mattu served as Mayor of Srinagar from 2018 to 2023.